Playing The Game

As long as we can recognize communicational patterns, it only make sense to look at them closely and find out how they contribute to the interaction between individuals. Communicational patterns are the products of interdependent behavior. Therefore, the pragmatic prospective suggest that we should pay our attention to patterns rather than to the particular behavior of each individual. Additionally, patterns may signal to a misunderstanding or a conflict between the communicators, and by introducing new and different "moves", partners can break off the pattern and ultimately communicate more effectively.

It takes at least two to communicate. When one acts the other reacts and the reaction also triggers another reaction and the cycle continues. The pragmatic prospective perceives it, just like the interactions between partners that are playing a game; players make their moves based on the actions of the other player. However, when we communicate, the game is about us, it's not about the two competitors in a game with limited options to move, a clear set of rules, and a target. There is much more to the game of communication; while playing it, we communicate our thoughts in every "move". Thoughts are very complex and reflect personal perception, needs, desires, beliefs, and cultures.

The pragmatic prospective can certainly help in cases when communication is broken down due to specific, ineffective pattern, but for a complete understanding of communication there is a need to also view the contribution of the individual's behavior to the interaction.